Okay, so I have a 77 Bobcat that I got a while ago but have just now had the time to work on. I am just about done doing the 4bbl carb swap and I plan on swapping to a mustang exhaust manifold within the next month. I also have coil over front suspension to install and eventually I am going to swap in a turbo engine I am also currently building.
What I would like to know is-
What is the widest tire I can fit in the front and back, and what is the largest rim (backspacing too)? I will probably swap to GM front and rear pattern but I would like to know what I am starting with first and then tweak it as necessary.
What is needed for a T5 swap from a 2.3L Mustang? Just the trans, and bellhousing or should I grab the clutch? Can a stock driveshaft from either viehicle fit or will it need to be cut? Are the tailshafts the dimensions?
What do people use to improve the rear suspension?
Also, what are my options for ignition? I'd like to keep a vacuum advance.
First a couple of things... the car wasnt turbo when you got it correct? If that is the case you cant really just drop a turbo motor in there, you have a lot of things to do first...
There is a guide somewhere about that.. but it requires a few extra parts and some modifications, and obviously exhaust work.
I'm not just dropping a turbo motor in there.
Here's the general on that engine (not the one currently in the car):
Elgin cam )240/240 duration I believe don't have the cam card on hand though)
ported head with larger valves, dual springs
ford turbo short block
blow through holley 600 carb
Hahn super 16G turbo
8.5:1 compression
I just need trans, tire, and suspension help. I'm pretty good on the engine thing.
well, i "think the t-5 bolts right up. I looked at my bell housing and the t-5 and it looks to be the same. Might have to modify the linkage though, I cant remember but the t-5 is cable style, and (not really looking at my car right now) i think the pinto is solid linkage... but it is doable...
But you are tlaking about a bobcat, and I cant tell you for sure since ive never even seen one in person.
a Bobcat and Pinto are basically the same, a Bobcat is just better. ;) I know the T5 will bolt up, after all I'm taking it off of a 2.3L, so that's not a question. How about the flywheel and clutch assembly though? Are they identical? Is one better? are the tail output shafts different?
Also, how much do I need to cut the floor to install a T5?
The 4 cylinder t5s output shafts are all the same if i remeber correctly. Not sure on the bobcat flywheel it should be a 8.5" clutch like the mustang but dont know if it will work though. The v8 T5/clutch will not work without alot modifications it has a larger inputshaft.
The 87-88 turbocoupe t5s use a 9" flywheel and clutch.
The shifter is only about 2 inchs foward from the stock location in the floor when using a t5.
Ill be doing the 2.3t/t5 swap into a 78 bobcat soon too hopfully.
The Pinto input is 23 spline, the Mustang is 10 so grab everything from the flywheel back. Also the 'stang most likely has the cable with a pivot for the clutch fork but that can be made to work. The output splines are different, I think I used a front yoke from a C4. I had to shorten my driveshaft. It's not a bolt in swap but it's not hard.
As far as wheels, tires and suspension, it all depends on what you plan to do with the car. Street only, autocross or drag racing, ect.